The Great Mom Debate: Would You Consider Alternative Therapies Like Acupuncture for Your Kids?

I'm a grown woman who has never even had a massage (weird, right?), much less gotten acupuncture or a chiropractic adjustment done. When my 9-month-old son came down with his 10th ear infection, I became so desperate to end the cycle of antibiotics that I listened to all my mom friends who told me a chiropractor could cure him. In case you're thinking this will be a "And then he was magically cured!" story, I'll make this clear: When the scary lady wrenched my tiny baby's head to the side (making a popping sound like broken bubble wrap)... I freaked out. I think I may have even screamed as I grabbed my baby, my bag, and my pride as I ran right out the door. Yeah, I'm awesome in a crisis.

That was five years ago, and no one in my family has been to see any kind of alternative doctor since. I try to keep an open mind though, even if I don't act on it. When a friend recently told me how acupuncture works wonders for autistic kids, I nodded and silently wondered, "What kid, much less one with sensory processing issues, would let a stranger stick needles all over them?!" But it turns out my friend may be on to something, as a study in the December issue of Pediatrics shows that acupuncture is both perfectly safe and increasingly popular for young children. The researchers simply caution to make sure the acupuncturist has a proper license and a clean facility. I know a lot of parents who are very passionate about acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal remedies, and other "alternative" treatments for their children—yet it's hard for me to forget my negative first (and only) experience.

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